The New Zealand 7s team pulled off a great escape to defeat the Vodafone Fiji 7s team 24-21 in their quarterfinal match this afternoon. 

With about 10 seconds left on the clock, Fiji was leading New Zealand 21-17. 

But a decision made by Fiji to kick for chase came back to haunt them as New Zealand quickly gained possession. 

After patient build up and great team play there was a break by Tim Mikkelson which allowed Sione Molia to score the winning try. 

Iopu IopuAso had scored the opening try in the match and this came as a double blow for Fiji because Kalione Nasoko was yellow carded.

Fiji scored its first try with six-men on the field when some great team play led by Jerry Tuwai allowed Sevuloni Mocenacagi to score in the corner. 

When Nasoko returned to the field after being sin binned, another yellow card was shown to Vatemo Ravouvou who kicked the ball to delay play.

Kalione Nasoko soon made up for the yellow card as he scored another try just before halftime to give Fiji a 14-12 lead. 

New Zealand then picked up the first try of the second half.
 
A high tackle from Stowers saw him sent to the bin for two minutes and this allowed Fiji to score through Kalione Nasoko. 

The Fiji 7s team will now play Argentina in the 5th place semifinal at 4.09pm.

The Medal semifinal will start at 4.53pm while the medal final will kick off at 7.51pm.

New Zealand face England in the first Medal semifinal while South Africa clash with Australia in the second semifinal.

Fiji’s tries - Sevuloni Mocenacagi, Kalione Nasoko (2). 

Jerry Tuwai continued his impressive performance against New Zealand as he setup two tries.

 

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